Microsoft pulls Skype v5.0 from Apple App Store: Is Skype dead for Apple iOS?

Apple App Store iPhone screenshot of Skype, by Microsoft, shows unavailable software when attempting to update Skype.

Microsoft announced two weeks ago that their Skype software division had produced a new version for iOS devices.

According to MSFT, the highly anticipated version 5.0 was supposed to be “remastered for iPhone,” and described as “the most refined version yet,” and was promised to be “faster, smoother, more integrated, smarter.”

Suddenly, to the dismay of many iOS device users, the Skype software was no longer available, and had pulled from the Apple App Store.

The solitary cryptic response Microsoft/Skype offered was “We are in the process of

Liars, Deceivers, Thieves…

The singer Cher sang and popularized a tune many years ago entitled ‘Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves.’ I considered that as a title for this entry, though I obviously did not use it.

Not that I’m concerned about offending Gypsies… or tramps and thieves, for that matter. I suppose in some way, it could be considered Equal Opportunity Offense. Not that I purposely make offense, but that some folks wear their feelings on their sleeves. And then, some wear them like a block on their shoulder – daring anyone to knock it off. In the interim, out of fear mistakenly disguised as respect, no one mentions

Okay… they “fixed” it. We can all go home now.

Image via Nestle's CrunchBase

Perhaps you’ve read the previous entry to which I sarcastically allude in this entry’s title. If not, here’s the linked title – “Apple Update creates problems on Toktumi’s Line2 for iPad, iPhone, iPod, iOS.”

Here’s the “Ta – DAH!” e-mail which I received trumpeting their “success.” (As an aside, don’t you feel privileged to read my “personal” e-mail?) Be sure to

Apple Update creates problems on Toktumi’s Line2 for iPad, iPhone, iPod, iOS

Image via CrunchBase

iOProblems, iOBrother!

I’m a die-hard, long-time, Apple Macintosh only computer user. End of conversation. Period.

However, that hasn’t and doesn’t prevent me, or anyone else, from criticizing Apple products.

I use the iPhone 3GS model, with iOS 3.1.3 – jailbroken and unlocked – and

iPhone 3G[S]

Perhaps the story of the iPhone could appear as a feature on the teevee show “Modern Marvels.”

My tenor is somewhat sarcastic, for as I am writing, my iPhone is, and for very nearly the past month, has been nothing more than a chic lovely paperweight.

I have a 32GB iPhone 3G[S] which I purchased at a “race horse” price – $150. It was refurbished. It had not even one scratch on it, and was brand-spanking, shiny new when I peeled the protective plastic off the screen.

In short order, I unlocked and jailbroke the 3.1.2 OS phone using blackra1n, which is a free/no-cost tethered jailbreak – meaning it must be attached to the computer during the process. The baseband is 5.11.07.

To clarify, “unlock” refers to